Spinal Blocks - Pain Pumps.... Questions???

As some of you have heard me mention at times in my post I suffer from a debiltating disease known as RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) or also known as CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrom). I've had it since 1998, have had over 35 surgeries to remove inflamed nerves in my feet and ankels, and have been on very high dosages of pain medications. One of the crappy things about this disease is that our bodies/nervous systems quickly adjust to pain medication. I was recently taking 25micrograms of Fentnayl patches w/my 10 pills of 10/320mg of Norco ONLY to find out I'm allergic to the glue when combined with the Fentynal so now I have to stop using the patches. I'm now having signs of the RSD in my left hand and right elbow and shoulder. My pain specialist increased my Norco since I can't use the patches while she sends me to another specialist to see if I would qualify for a spinal block or a pain pump (of morphine) installation. 

My question is... I have my MRI this Wednesday and..... I don't know much about either procedure. I'm worried about if I'll still be able to drive having either of these..... Can anyone shed me some personal experience light so that I may lower my anxiety?????? I KNOW most of my questions will be answered at the appointment.... but also I'm worried if this might also put a twist/wrench in my tummytuck that I see Dr Bergman about on Monday the 24th. 

I could really use some help secure words of experience and wisdom. Com`on Ladies, PLEASE help me out so I can calm myself down. 

 

Thank You & Blessings
Jodi

Jodi, my nursing expertise to the rescue. ha ha. I'll do the best I can. A spinal block (in my experience) is done as an outpatient procedure, often in a doctor's office. it can be done by a pain specialist or by an orthopedic specialist. They usually use xray and inject a steroid/pain medicine mixture into the spinal column above the level that is affected and causing the pain. If your pain is just in your feet, they might do a block behind your knees.

A pain pump is inserted in surgery, usually sits in your abdomen and the pain medicine is slowly infused into your spinal column in the area affected. As far as I know, you can drive with both of these procedures, just not the day they are performed.

I'm sorry to hear you have to deal with this. I've taken care of many RSD patients and I can only imagine the pain you are suffering through. Hang in there and I hope they get it figured out soon.

Melissa

I've had many spinal blocks for back pain.  They always ask if someone is with me as they will not let me have the block if I do not have a driver.    It is uncomfortable but not extremely painful (especially when I take into account the back pain and how bad it is!).

Good luck!